Page 18 - Judge Manual 2017

Judges can also have a major impact on the future conduct of a sailor. Under
no circumstances should sailors be allowed to believe that minor breaches of
the rules will be accepted because of their age. Strict and fair instruction at the
start of a sailor’s career can have an important educational effect.

During regattas, there may be opportunities to give rules workshops. There can
also be opportunities to clarify rule issues with coaches. Such periods might
include when sailing is postponed or abandoned and sailors are ashore
D.4 Visibility

At all regattas judges should focus on making themselves visible, approachable
and accessible by the sailors and their support teams, but even more so at
junior regattas, where this may be the sailor’s first contact with a protest
committee or international jury. It is helpful if the judges are introduced at the
sailors’ briefing so that sailors and their coaches can recognize them as the
regatta progresses.

When judges are ashore, and are not required for official duties, they should
make themselves available to the sailors. This may involve visiting the boat park
in pairs, and being available for conversations with sailors, coaches or parents.
It is recommended that more than one judge participates in discussions with
sailors to avoid any perception of bias, conflict of interest, misunderstanding
and other reasons.

D.5 Communication with Sailors and Their Coaches

When speaking with sailors, use the sailor’s name, even if you have to ask for
his or her name. When explaining rules or interpretations with sailors, where
possible, use the vocabulary used in the rules. Do not change the language of
the rules because the sailor is young. It is preferable to include the sailor's
coach or parent in the conversation, and when available, to ensure that another
judge is with you. Have interpreters available at international events, as
appropriate.
D.6 Protests

A significant area where a judge will interface with junior sailors is in the protest
room. All sailors, but especially junior sailors, should expect a consistent and
fair process, using language they can understand.

The protest hearing should be formal, and the judges should be firm, respectful,
and helpful to all participants.

Junior sailors may not have had previous experience in a protest hearing. Ask
at the start of the hearing, if this is their first hearing. If it is, the chairman should
inform the parties and their coaches and witnesses of the process that will be
followed, both initially and as the hearing proceeds.